Fourth Meeting of the Subsidiary
Body for Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-4)21-25 June 1999 Intersessional Meeting on the Operations of the Convention 28-30 June 1999 - Montr�al, Canada

Daily briefing:
24 June

SBSTTA-4 delegates met in two Working Groups.
WGI completed work on alien species, drylands and the Global
Taxonomy Initiative. WGII completed work on new plant technologies,
tourism and environmental impact assessment.

On new plant technologies, The UK submitted
compromise text recognizing the precautionary approach and recommending
that Parties not approve commercial use of products incorporating
GURT technologies until authorized scientific assessments validate
their safe use.

Fred Fortier, representing
the INDIGENOUS PEOPLES BIODIVERSITY NETWORK (pictured left) encouraged
development of legal frameworks to ensure indigenous peoples' involvement
in tourism planning. Alison Johnston, on behalf of the INTERNATIONAL
SUPPORT GROUP FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (right) noted the absence of
guidelines for meaningful consultation with indigenous and local communities.